Azerbaijan's Mingachevir hosts WUF13 festival Photo

A public festival is being held in Mingachevir to raise awareness of the upcoming 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), organisers said, as Azerbaijan prepares to host the global urban development gathering.

The WUF13 Festival is taking place in a square near Heydar Aliyev Park, featuring evening events aimed at engaging local residents and visitors with themes related to urban sustainability, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Speaking at the event, Emin Huseynzada, communications manager of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of public engagement ahead of the forum.

He said a series of programmes had been organised to encourage meaningful participation and community involvement.

The festival includes interactive activities, educational games, presentations and public discussions focused on sustainable urban development, inclusive city planning, innovative urban solutions and future urban challenges.

Organisers say the initiative is designed to bring complex urban policy topics to a wider audience and increase public awareness ahead of WUF13.

By Sabina Mammadli